Evaluation of multifrequency range imaging technique implemented on the Chung–Li VHF atmospheric radar

Abstract. The multifrequency range imaging technique (RIM) has been implemented on the Chung–Li VHF array radar since 2008 after its renovation. This study made a more complete examination and evaluation of the RIM technique to facilitate the performance of the radar for atmospheric studies. RIM experiments with various radar parameters such as pulse length, pulse shape, receiver bandwidth, transmitter frequency set, and so on were conducted. The radar data employed for the study were collected from 2008 to 2013. It has been shown that two factors, the range/time delay of the signal traveling in the media and the standard deviation of Gaussian-shaped range-weighting function, play crucial roles in ameliorating the RIM-produced brightness (or power distribution); the two factors are associated with some radar parameters and system characteristics. The range/time delay of the signal was found to increase with time; moreover, it was slightly different for the echoes from the atmosphere with and without the presence of significant precipitation. A procedure of point-by-point correction of range/time delay was thus executed for the presence of precipitation to minimize the bogus brightness discontinuity at range gate boundaries. With the RIM technique, the Chung–Li VHF radar demonstrates its first successful observation of double-layer structures as well as their temporal and spatial variations with time.